We seem to be having the ‘barbecue summer’ that nobody dared to predict, so why not make the most of it?
Cooking on a barbecue takes us back to earlier and more primitive forms of food preparation, and is a great way to get back to the basics of real food. But modern methods have taken the typical barbecue party far from its origins as a camp-fire feast. What can you do to make your barbie more authentic and kinder to the environment?
First, think about the device you’ll actually be using to cook the food. Many modern barbecues are packed with such sophisticated technology that they’re practically outdoor ovens. One could argue that it makes more sense to prepare food in the kitchen and forego the hassle of al fresco cooking if your barbecue is so high tech!
It can be much more rewarding (and a lot more fun) to set yourself the challenge of cooking on a basic stove out in the elements, and unsurprisingly this approach is also much better for the environment than using modern barbecues that pump out lots of gas. The traditional charcoal-burning sort is a far earth-friendly and fun option, and it really doesn’t have to be anything complicated – you can even create a makeshift barbecue in a wheelbarrow!
When choosing charcoal, it’s important to ensure you pick a variety that’s come from the UK. This is good in two ways: most obviously, it reduces transport C02 emissions, but homegrown charcoal can also be beneficial to wildlife, as it’s sourced from woods that are managed to provide habitat for butterflies and birds.
Next, what about lighting the fire? Most barbecues rely on flammable chemicals to get going quickly, but the art of fire-lighting vastly pre-dates matches and fire lighters, so if you plan to use a more basic stove, you might want to take the opportunity to brush up on how to build and maintain a fire. The same principles apply on many cooking stoves as they do to open fires, and your skills will also be much appreciated by Christmas!
If you doubt your primitive survival skills, to get the fire going without chemicals, a slower and much more pleasant solution can also be found in the form of ‘natural fire lighters’, which are available from the Green Rewards Shop. These are made from pine cones which come embedded in a naturally flame-producing wax, and are hand-made in Dorset. The flammable wax is studded with fragrant forms such as bay leaves, dried lemons and chillis. Designed to be used on barbecues and bonfires, they are a charming alternative to chemically laden fire-lighters.
Once you’ve got all that preparation in the bag, it’s just a case of making some delicious food to put on your seriously sustainable barbie! Home made burgers, kebabs and other treats will get you a long way with your guests…
Image: Alisdair
